„Mieszaniec” na rozdrożu… Problemy tożsamościowe bohaterów prozy Szczepana Twardocha

Abstrakt

The article explores the issue of identity in Szczepan Twardoch’s works from an educational
perspective. The main focus is placed on the figure of the “hybrid”—a character
of multi-ethnic origin or one operating in a complex cultural environment.
An example of this is the portrayal of Dr. Radziwiłek in the novel Król, a secondary
character inspired by the Warsaw political activist and gangster Józef Łokietek.
The article establishes that identity in Twardoch’s works is fluid and constantly
evolving, particularly in the face of historical events. Language plays a crucial role in
shaping the identity of the characters – Radziwiłek, speaking a mixture of languages,
appears as a rootless figure, yet remains determined and consistent. In the context
of Heidegger’s philosophy and the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, the author examines the
extent to which language serves as a foundation for cultural belonging and how its
absence deepens human alienation.
The text also highlights literary inspirations and references to reality. Radziwiłek
is compared to brother Salvatore from The Name of the Rose and the historical
figure Józef Łokietek. Unlike the latter, the gangster in Twardoch’s novel does not
undergo redemption, making him a one-dimensional and demonic character.